8 time-saving hacks that will making being vegan easier

There are plenty of delicious options for those on a vegan diet. Lia Ryerson

Whether you're in it for the long haul or just need to make your Meatless Mondays a little easier, cutting down on prep time can make all the difference in sticking to a vegan diet. Without meat or dairy as options, vegans can either turn to processed meals or whole grains and fresh produce for their meals.

A freezer meal from the veggie section of the grocery store doesn't hurt every once in a while, but it's much better to have healthy, fresh meals that are quick and easy for the days you are in a rush or too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Here are some of our favorite tips to make veganism much easier.

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Prepare whole grains and keep them in the fridge.

No one wants to stand and cook rice for half an hour or longer after a long day at work. On Sunday evening, take time to cook four or five servings of whole grains like brown rice, couscous, barley or quinoa. Keep them in the fridge, and you can easily reheat what you need each night and pair it with steamed or sauteed veggies for a quick meal.

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Don’t be afraid of frozen food.

Sometimes, there just isn't enough time to wash, peel, and dice fresh veggies. Instead, why not just pull out a bag from the freezer? Frozen vegetables are typically picked at their peak ripeness — Dr. Ali Bouzari told the New York Times that frozen veggies retain much of their nutrients and are just as good for you as fresh produce. Cook your frozen vegetables while you heat up your prepped grains and you'll have a delicious meal in no time.

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Break out the slow cooker.

Slow cookers make cooking easy.
Lighttraveler/Shutterstock

A slow cooker is a vegan's best friend. If you need some recipe inspiration, there are countless cookbooks dedicated to cooking with a slow cooker, and Pinterest also offers hundreds of ideas. After you wake up, throw your ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and head out the door. When you return, you'll have a delicious dinner waiting for you.

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Pack in protein with canned beans.

Beans are an important source of protein for vegans, but buying them dry involves a long soaking process. Instead, opt for no-salt-added cans of beans. They cook quickly and require minimal effort: rinse, heat, and done.

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Eat more snacks.

Ever heard of snack dinner? It typically consists of a fancy cheese board or charcuterie platter, but snack dinner can certainly be adapted for vegan lifestyles. Grab a nice wood board (or a plate if you're feeling more casual), and adorn it with grapes, carrots, whole wheat crackers, broccoli, and whatever else you'd like. You might need to wash some fruits and vegetables, but otherwise this meal is simple and delicious.

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Make breakfast a breeze, too.

Smoothies are a great option for vegans.
Lauren Schumacker/INSIDER

When you're running out the door, you can still start your day with a nutritious breakfast. Keep smoothie packs in the freezer to throw in the blender before work, or try mixing oats, a milk alternative, and your favorite toppings before bedtime for a delicious bowl of overnight oats in the morning.

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When in doubt: peanut butter.

Or almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter — you get the point. Nut butters are delicious with fruits, crackers, carrots or celery. A couple spoonfuls alone is a delicious treat, too. Nut butters offer a lot of protein and are ready to go the moment hunger strikes.

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Rethink leftovers.

If you do take more time to cook one meal, prepare multiple servings and turn it into several meals. Or, take elements of one meal you cook and reuse them the next day — leftover lentils from Taco Tuesday can be Wednesday's shepherd's pie; an extra baked sweet potato can be blended into a creamy sauce for pasta; leftover quinoa will make a hearty addition to your desk salad.